*The Angi rating for House Leveling companies in Prince Frederick, MD is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their House Leveling needs.
*The HomeAdvisor rating for House Leveling companies in Prince Frederick, MD is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their House Leveling needs.
Last update on May 25, 2025
Family Owned and Operated since 2000, we are your Signature Remodeling Contractor in Southern Maryland! Servicing Calvert, St. Mary's, Charles, PG and Anne Arundel Counties. We specialize in Kitchen and Bath remodels of all sizes as well as finishing basements , however we do general home improvement needs you may have. Our work is second to none and we never use sub-contractors. We personally work with you every step of the way! We back our work with a satisfaction guarantee and we won't stop until you're satisfied with the final product! We are licensed, bonded and insured. Give us a call at 410-449-9851 or send us an email [email protected]
"Excellent contractors. Thank you."
Elaine S on July 2023
Family Owned and Operated since 2000, we are your Signature Remodeling Contractor in Southern Maryland! Servicing Calvert, St. Mary's, Charles, PG and Anne Arundel Counties. We specialize in Kitchen and Bath remodels of all sizes as well as finishing basements , however we do general home improvement needs you may have. Our work is second to none and we never use sub-contractors. We personally work with you every step of the way! We back our work with a satisfaction guarantee and we won't stop until you're satisfied with the final product! We are licensed, bonded and insured. Give us a call at 410-449-9851 or send us an email [email protected]
"Excellent contractors. Thank you."
Elaine S on July 2023
Value Dry is committed to never stop fighting the damaging effects of moisture and poor air quality in your home. We transform wet basements and musty crawl spaces into dry, healthy, useable space through basement waterproofing and crawl space encapsulation. We provide the best lifetime transferable warranty in the DC/Baltimore area. Our services include sump installation and replacement, battery backup sump pumps, foundation waterproofing, vapor barriers, humidity/ventilation control, outside stairwell drains, window well drains, egress windows, insulation, and foundation repair. We are conveniently located between the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. beltways and our service range covers Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., Southern Delaware and the panhandle of West Virginia. Our entire team, from our call center staff to our inspectors and installers, is fully committed to maintaining the highest standards of customer service and protecting your biggest investment, your home. Our work is backed by a lifetime transferable warranty and a 24/7 service team. We are very proud of the reputation that we have built through online reviews, within our industry, and among our customers. Give us a call at (888) 768-2583 to schedule a free consultation or if you have any questions.
"They were expensive, but clearly the best product."
Victoria E on December 2024
Value Dry is committed to never stop fighting the damaging effects of moisture and poor air quality in your home. We transform wet basements and musty crawl spaces into dry, healthy, useable space through basement waterproofing and crawl space encapsulation. We provide the best lifetime transferable warranty in the DC/Baltimore area. Our services include sump installation and replacement, battery backup sump pumps, foundation waterproofing, vapor barriers, humidity/ventilation control, outside stairwell drains, window well drains, egress windows, insulation, and foundation repair. We are conveniently located between the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. beltways and our service range covers Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., Southern Delaware and the panhandle of West Virginia. Our entire team, from our call center staff to our inspectors and installers, is fully committed to maintaining the highest standards of customer service and protecting your biggest investment, your home. Our work is backed by a lifetime transferable warranty and a 24/7 service team. We are very proud of the reputation that we have built through online reviews, within our industry, and among our customers. Give us a call at (888) 768-2583 to schedule a free consultation or if you have any questions.
"They were expensive, but clearly the best product."
Victoria E on December 2024
We strive to exceed your expectations in waterproofing, mold remediation and foundation repair. We take pride in our work, that’s why we don’t employ subcontractors. We understand there are a lot of choices out there when choosing a certified installer – we hope you choose us! Protect your home and health from mold and mildew invaders. In our 28 years of experience, we have never encountered a wet basement, crawlspace encapsulation or mold removal condition that we couldn’t handle. Give us a call today for a free, no obligation inspection and professional basement waterproofing system tailored for your home or commercial project. AA Action Waterproofing is licensed, insured and bonded with a A+ Rating with the BBB. Please call us and we’ll happily supply you with references.
"Our 25+ year-old French drain system in our 100-year-old basement was showing signs of failure, so we contacted several companies to get advice on what to do. Jason of AA Action was very professional and helpful when he performed his initial inspection of our basement, and had very good ideas on what needed to be done. The price he quoted for the work was also, based on what we had read, reasonable. We ended up going with another company recommended by Angi, but only because it brought up a couple of options that we had not thought of, and we felt comfortable with them doing the extra work. We were not at all unhappy with AA Action's suggestions or pricing - it's just that the other company's additional ideas made sense for our circumstances."
John A on June 2024
We strive to exceed your expectations in waterproofing, mold remediation and foundation repair. We take pride in our work, that’s why we don’t employ subcontractors. We understand there are a lot of choices out there when choosing a certified installer – we hope you choose us! Protect your home and health from mold and mildew invaders. In our 28 years of experience, we have never encountered a wet basement, crawlspace encapsulation or mold removal condition that we couldn’t handle. Give us a call today for a free, no obligation inspection and professional basement waterproofing system tailored for your home or commercial project. AA Action Waterproofing is licensed, insured and bonded with a A+ Rating with the BBB. Please call us and we’ll happily supply you with references.
"Our 25+ year-old French drain system in our 100-year-old basement was showing signs of failure, so we contacted several companies to get advice on what to do. Jason of AA Action was very professional and helpful when he performed his initial inspection of our basement, and had very good ideas on what needed to be done. The price he quoted for the work was also, based on what we had read, reasonable. We ended up going with another company recommended by Angi, but only because it brought up a couple of options that we had not thought of, and we felt comfortable with them doing the extra work. We were not at all unhappy with AA Action's suggestions or pricing - it's just that the other company's additional ideas made sense for our circumstances."
John A on June 2024
Established in 1993, JES stands as a trusted subsidiary of Groundworks, a distinguished family of companies renowned for delivering unparalleled solutions. From foundation repair, structural reinforcement, crawl space encapsulation, basement waterproofing, and concrete lifting, we provide comprehensive services tailored to meet your needs. With our coverage spanning across the state of Virginia and Maryland, we bring our local expertise closer to you. JES proudly holds accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence. Drawing from decades of collective experience, extensive industry knowledge, and ongoing specialized training, our dedicated team is poised to safeguard your residential property against water damage, concrete sinking, and foundation instability. At JES, we are not just builders; we are guardians of your peace of mind. Contact us today for a FREE estimate!
"JES Foundation contracts all their electrical work out to Root Electric. In the process of installing my new sump pump, back-up sump pump, and sump pump alarm system, it was determined that a new dedicated outlet could not be created due to my existing electrical panel being too small. Thus, I needed to get an electrical panel upgrade. Through JES Foundation, a date and time was arranged to have my new electrical panel upgrade installed. The lead Root electrician Andrew, and his assistant Andy, dd a terrific job installing the new upgraded electric panel. They were both very friendly, efficient, and professional. Andrew afterwards walked me through everything that was done, and answered any questions that I had. They also cleaned up afterwards very well. I highly recommend Root Electric and JES Foundation to anyone who needs their expertise."
Janice M on January 2025
Established in 1993, JES stands as a trusted subsidiary of Groundworks, a distinguished family of companies renowned for delivering unparalleled solutions. From foundation repair, structural reinforcement, crawl space encapsulation, basement waterproofing, and concrete lifting, we provide comprehensive services tailored to meet your needs. With our coverage spanning across the state of Virginia and Maryland, we bring our local expertise closer to you. JES proudly holds accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence. Drawing from decades of collective experience, extensive industry knowledge, and ongoing specialized training, our dedicated team is poised to safeguard your residential property against water damage, concrete sinking, and foundation instability. At JES, we are not just builders; we are guardians of your peace of mind. Contact us today for a FREE estimate!
"JES Foundation contracts all their electrical work out to Root Electric. In the process of installing my new sump pump, back-up sump pump, and sump pump alarm system, it was determined that a new dedicated outlet could not be created due to my existing electrical panel being too small. Thus, I needed to get an electrical panel upgrade. Through JES Foundation, a date and time was arranged to have my new electrical panel upgrade installed. The lead Root electrician Andrew, and his assistant Andy, dd a terrific job installing the new upgraded electric panel. They were both very friendly, efficient, and professional. Andrew afterwards walked me through everything that was done, and answered any questions that I had. They also cleaned up afterwards very well. I highly recommend Root Electric and JES Foundation to anyone who needs their expertise."
Janice M on January 2025
American Eagle Building & Design LLC Southern Maryland's Premier Custom Homes Builders and Renovation Specialist since 2012. Specializing in: Custom Home Building Custom Home Renovations Additions Kitchens Baths We offer free design and consultation services. Our designers can quickly provide high quality floor plans, and 3D renderings of your project, at no extra cost.
"Exceptional Service & Quality Work! I recently hired American Eagle Building & Design, LLC to help rearrange a few areas in my day spa (Jacqueline Morgan Day Spa) and create two new treatment areas in Solomons Island, MD. From the very beginning, their communication was outstanding. They listened carefully to everything I asked for and remembered every detail throughout the project. Their attention to detail was truly impressive—every aspect of the job was done with precision and care. They stayed true to their original estimate, which was incredibly detailed and transparent, with no unexpected costs. The team was also very easy to talk to, making the entire process smooth and stress-free. What really stood out was their cleanliness and professionalism. At the end of each day, they left the space spotless, which was so important for my business. If you’re looking for a reliable, skilled, and professional construction team, I highly recommend American Eagle Building & Design, LLC. I couldn’t be happier with the results!"
Jacqueline M on February 2025
American Eagle Building & Design LLC Southern Maryland's Premier Custom Homes Builders and Renovation Specialist since 2012. Specializing in: Custom Home Building Custom Home Renovations Additions Kitchens Baths We offer free design and consultation services. Our designers can quickly provide high quality floor plans, and 3D renderings of your project, at no extra cost.
"Exceptional Service & Quality Work! I recently hired American Eagle Building & Design, LLC to help rearrange a few areas in my day spa (Jacqueline Morgan Day Spa) and create two new treatment areas in Solomons Island, MD. From the very beginning, their communication was outstanding. They listened carefully to everything I asked for and remembered every detail throughout the project. Their attention to detail was truly impressive—every aspect of the job was done with precision and care. They stayed true to their original estimate, which was incredibly detailed and transparent, with no unexpected costs. The team was also very easy to talk to, making the entire process smooth and stress-free. What really stood out was their cleanliness and professionalism. At the end of each day, they left the space spotless, which was so important for my business. If you’re looking for a reliable, skilled, and professional construction team, I highly recommend American Eagle Building & Design, LLC. I couldn’t be happier with the results!"
Jacqueline M on February 2025
John Krause Construction, Inc. is an unparalleled team of professionals dedicated to the mission of custom home design and building. Together the John Krause team creates a superlative custom home building and home improvement experience tailored to the needs, wants and dreams of each client. We are passionate about our client relationships and this is reflected in all that we do. From the in-house design process, interior and exterior customization and artisanal craftsmanship to the professional management and accurate fixed pricing, our aim is your total satisfaction with your new home, architectural restoration or home remodeling project.
"I am writing to formally express my deep dissatisfaction with the recent retaining wall replacement project completed by John Krause Construction (JKC) at my property. After reading positive reviews and receiving an estimate that, although over my budget, seemed reasonable for the work involved, I made the decision to hire JKC. Unfortunately, this has proven to be a significant mistake, and I am left extremely disappointed with both the quality of work and the overall experience. Here are the main issues I encountered: 1. Unprofessional Behavior: The crew exhibited unacceptable behavior while working on my property. Not only did I witness them disposing of bodily fluids on-site, but they were also disrespectful and dismissive. when I raised concerns no response was received. I now smell urine when entering and exiting my garage. 2. Unresponsive Ownership: I have attempted to reach out to the owner multiple times to address these concerns and resolve the issues, but my messages have been met with silence. This lack of communication is incredibly frustrating and has only added to my disappointment. The owner refused to speak on the phone since the owner was made aware of the call being recorded. 3. Property Damage: During the construction process, my property was left damaged in multiple areas. This included e.g., landscaping destruction, equipment damage. Personal crew members vehicles being driven through my yard leaving deep tire marks damage. 4. Subpar Quality of Work: Despite the high cost of the project, the final result does not meet the standards outlined in the estimate or contract. No proper grading was completed. Every time it rains pools of water sits in front and behind the wall. The response received was. “we have passed all inspections. There will be some water pooling while it is settling still. Plus the fact of the hard rain today, it will happen.” The wall has been completed for 2 months. Given the extensive problems, stress and anxiety I have faced. I do not recommend John Krause Construction."
B F on April 2025
John Krause Construction, Inc. is an unparalleled team of professionals dedicated to the mission of custom home design and building. Together the John Krause team creates a superlative custom home building and home improvement experience tailored to the needs, wants and dreams of each client. We are passionate about our client relationships and this is reflected in all that we do. From the in-house design process, interior and exterior customization and artisanal craftsmanship to the professional management and accurate fixed pricing, our aim is your total satisfaction with your new home, architectural restoration or home remodeling project.
"I am writing to formally express my deep dissatisfaction with the recent retaining wall replacement project completed by John Krause Construction (JKC) at my property. After reading positive reviews and receiving an estimate that, although over my budget, seemed reasonable for the work involved, I made the decision to hire JKC. Unfortunately, this has proven to be a significant mistake, and I am left extremely disappointed with both the quality of work and the overall experience. Here are the main issues I encountered: 1. Unprofessional Behavior: The crew exhibited unacceptable behavior while working on my property. Not only did I witness them disposing of bodily fluids on-site, but they were also disrespectful and dismissive. when I raised concerns no response was received. I now smell urine when entering and exiting my garage. 2. Unresponsive Ownership: I have attempted to reach out to the owner multiple times to address these concerns and resolve the issues, but my messages have been met with silence. This lack of communication is incredibly frustrating and has only added to my disappointment. The owner refused to speak on the phone since the owner was made aware of the call being recorded. 3. Property Damage: During the construction process, my property was left damaged in multiple areas. This included e.g., landscaping destruction, equipment damage. Personal crew members vehicles being driven through my yard leaving deep tire marks damage. 4. Subpar Quality of Work: Despite the high cost of the project, the final result does not meet the standards outlined in the estimate or contract. No proper grading was completed. Every time it rains pools of water sits in front and behind the wall. The response received was. “we have passed all inspections. There will be some water pooling while it is settling still. Plus the fact of the hard rain today, it will happen.” The wall has been completed for 2 months. Given the extensive problems, stress and anxiety I have faced. I do not recommend John Krause Construction."
B F on April 2025
With over 30 years experience in Basement Waterproofing and Mold Remediation services, Andrew A. Altman, Sr. Is a top rated veteran with a proven record beyond belief! In fact the certified, professional Staff has a combined experience of over 60 years. When you hire Best Buy Waterproofing, you are hiring the very best in the industry! They have the WIT attitude ( Whatever It Takes ) and customer satisfaction is their #1 priority as they are "Comitted To Excellence!" Best Buy Waterproofing is licensed, bonded, insured, and certified. They have earned the reputation of standing behind their incredible work and customer satisfaction. They offer free estimates and the very best financing available. They even have No payments & No Interest for 18 months! Best Buy Waterproofing stands behind their lifetime of the structure warranty on their systems. Also on all sump pump systems and their intelligent battery back ups! Best Buy is the ONLY company who offers this kind of warranty on those services as Strength is their Foundation! If you need a dry basement certificate, call us immediately. We are operational 24/7 365!
"Dan was highly professional and offered an excellent evaluation of my needs. He actually went into the crawl space to better understand my needs. A good neighbor and a person to know. Thank you."
Arsalan S on November 2024
With over 30 years experience in Basement Waterproofing and Mold Remediation services, Andrew A. Altman, Sr. Is a top rated veteran with a proven record beyond belief! In fact the certified, professional Staff has a combined experience of over 60 years. When you hire Best Buy Waterproofing, you are hiring the very best in the industry! They have the WIT attitude ( Whatever It Takes ) and customer satisfaction is their #1 priority as they are "Comitted To Excellence!" Best Buy Waterproofing is licensed, bonded, insured, and certified. They have earned the reputation of standing behind their incredible work and customer satisfaction. They offer free estimates and the very best financing available. They even have No payments & No Interest for 18 months! Best Buy Waterproofing stands behind their lifetime of the structure warranty on their systems. Also on all sump pump systems and their intelligent battery back ups! Best Buy is the ONLY company who offers this kind of warranty on those services as Strength is their Foundation! If you need a dry basement certificate, call us immediately. We are operational 24/7 365!
"Dan was highly professional and offered an excellent evaluation of my needs. He actually went into the crawl space to better understand my needs. A good neighbor and a person to know. Thank you."
Arsalan S on November 2024
LFC is a family oriented company whose team is actually made up of family and friends who have over 75 combined years of experience in the remodeling and home repair industry. We love working together, we love remodeling and we love helping people. Our goal is to provide quality service at affordable prices for all of our clients. We understand that your house is your home, that is why we make every effort to protect your home during the repair and renovation process. All our of Home Repair Specialists use drop cloths and plastic covering whenever necessary to keep your home safe and dust free. We also do a thorough clean up after every project. The only evidence that we like to leave behind is a job well done and a satisfied client.
"LFC did everything we wanted and more. They did everything right and efficiently. Their customer services is the best we ever received. Jan's design ideas were better than we expected. Ceramic tile, closets, countertops and backsplash, drywall, electrical, flooring installation, interior painting, granite installation"
CM C on May 2025
LFC is a family oriented company whose team is actually made up of family and friends who have over 75 combined years of experience in the remodeling and home repair industry. We love working together, we love remodeling and we love helping people. Our goal is to provide quality service at affordable prices for all of our clients. We understand that your house is your home, that is why we make every effort to protect your home during the repair and renovation process. All our of Home Repair Specialists use drop cloths and plastic covering whenever necessary to keep your home safe and dust free. We also do a thorough clean up after every project. The only evidence that we like to leave behind is a job well done and a satisfied client.
"LFC did everything we wanted and more. They did everything right and efficiently. Their customer services is the best we ever received. Jan's design ideas were better than we expected. Ceramic tile, closets, countertops and backsplash, drywall, electrical, flooring installation, interior painting, granite installation"
CM C on May 2025
Our firm is a dynamic provider of drafting and house plan services, dedicated to turning your visions into tangible and pleasing structures. With a commitment to excellence, we bring expertise and innovation to every project we undertake. We specialize in comprehensive drafting services tailored to meet diverse client needs. Our offering include: Design: Crafting unique and functional designs that blend creativity with practicality. Drafting Services: Precision and attention to detail in creating accurate and detailed drafts for seamless project execution. 3D Modeling: Bringing designs to life with realistic 3D models that provide a vivid preview of the final structure. Project Management: From concept to completion, we offer end-to-end project management ensuring timely and efficient delivery. Interior Design: Enhancing spaces with innovative interior designs that harmonize aesthetics and functionality. Detail Services Offered: - Building Code Compliance - Construction Documentation - Renovation and Remodeling Plans About our Team: Our team comprises draftsman and project managers, each bringing a unique skill, style and experience to the table. Collaborative teamwork and alliance is at the core of our success, ensuring a holist approach to every project. We take pride in our commitment to delivering high-quality work on every project. Our rigorous quality control measures, pays attention to client requirements, and adherence to industry standards are the cornerstones of our success. Your satisfaction is our top priority and guarantee. At Evolution Drafting, we don't design structures; we create environments that inspire and endure. Work with us and experience the art of living.
"We recently completed an ADU in our backyard, and the process with Evolution Drafting was very smooth from start to finish. I truly felt that my needs were heard—our goal was to create a comfortable space for our daughter and her family when they visit, and the team made that happen. Evolution Drafting was highly responsive, and their revision process made it easy to make adjustments along the way. Great company to work with. Special shout out to our agent Elizabeth. She is so helpful and informative!"
Sarah W on May 2025
Our firm is a dynamic provider of drafting and house plan services, dedicated to turning your visions into tangible and pleasing structures. With a commitment to excellence, we bring expertise and innovation to every project we undertake. We specialize in comprehensive drafting services tailored to meet diverse client needs. Our offering include: Design: Crafting unique and functional designs that blend creativity with practicality. Drafting Services: Precision and attention to detail in creating accurate and detailed drafts for seamless project execution. 3D Modeling: Bringing designs to life with realistic 3D models that provide a vivid preview of the final structure. Project Management: From concept to completion, we offer end-to-end project management ensuring timely and efficient delivery. Interior Design: Enhancing spaces with innovative interior designs that harmonize aesthetics and functionality. Detail Services Offered: - Building Code Compliance - Construction Documentation - Renovation and Remodeling Plans About our Team: Our team comprises draftsman and project managers, each bringing a unique skill, style and experience to the table. Collaborative teamwork and alliance is at the core of our success, ensuring a holist approach to every project. We take pride in our commitment to delivering high-quality work on every project. Our rigorous quality control measures, pays attention to client requirements, and adherence to industry standards are the cornerstones of our success. Your satisfaction is our top priority and guarantee. At Evolution Drafting, we don't design structures; we create environments that inspire and endure. Work with us and experience the art of living.
"We recently completed an ADU in our backyard, and the process with Evolution Drafting was very smooth from start to finish. I truly felt that my needs were heard—our goal was to create a comfortable space for our daughter and her family when they visit, and the team made that happen. Evolution Drafting was highly responsive, and their revision process made it easy to make adjustments along the way. Great company to work with. Special shout out to our agent Elizabeth. She is so helpful and informative!"
Sarah W on May 2025
VKB Kitchen & Bath is a proud member of the NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association). VKB Kitchen & Bath is also insured, licensed (class A), and bonded, and we are here to make sure that each and every project we work on is as spectacular as it is functional.
"Positives: The design work was great. We spoke with several kitchen companies before deciding to go with VKB, and Joe, the designer we worked with, put the most effort into hearing what our goals were and creating a creative plan for us. He was knowledgeable and helpful, and had a good eye to notice things that we hadn’t considered. He also offered helpful suggestions regarding cabinets, countertops, paint colors, etc. We were happy with the finished product. Negatives: The biggest issue we encountered was a lack of communication. We discussed various issues with the designer, but these frequently were not communicated to the actual workers doing the job. For instance, when the workers showed up on the first day, they didn’t actually have the plans for what was being done with the kitchen, and we had to explain the job to them. Joe offered to add lighting inside our closet, and we contacted him and said to go ahead and do it, but that information was not communicated to the workers until it was really too late, so it was never done. Sometimes it was 48 hours before we would hear back from Joe when we contacted him with a question during the process of the remodel. Because a lot can happen in two work days, this was sometimes problematic. The second issue we encountered was that when speaking about the project beforehand, words like “plumber” and “electrician” were used, but no plumbers or electricians were actually employed; general contractors did all the work. As a result, we felt uneasy about the quality of the work that was being done. For instance, the evening after our sink was hooked up, it came disconnected while we were using it, with the result that water was spewing all over our under-sink cabinet until my husband reconnected everything properly. Additionally, the cabinet seal on our dishwasher was installed backwards so that the rubber flap was sticking out. (They fixed this upon request.) Issues like these make us feel uneasy, and we weren’t confident that the work we couldn’t see or notice right away was done right. We wish that an actual plumber had been hired to do the work, as we had expected, or at least that it had been clear up front that this would be the case. Finally, we felt that the workers who were actually doing the job were sometimes careless toward our home. For instance, they piled tools and trash on our back patio, but in the process knocked over a plant and crushed flowers in our flower bed. They got paint smudges on a wooden shelving unit in the kitchen while painting. Similarly, certain details of the job were missed until we pointed them out. The finished product came out well, but we aren’t sure it would have if we had not been carefully supervising. (For instance, they forgot to run an electrical line for the oven until we reminded them, and a different faucet than we had selected was installed. These issues were always corrected once we pointed them out, but we were surprised that mistakes like this were made.)"
Allison C on August 2018
VKB Kitchen & Bath is a proud member of the NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association). VKB Kitchen & Bath is also insured, licensed (class A), and bonded, and we are here to make sure that each and every project we work on is as spectacular as it is functional.
"Positives: The design work was great. We spoke with several kitchen companies before deciding to go with VKB, and Joe, the designer we worked with, put the most effort into hearing what our goals were and creating a creative plan for us. He was knowledgeable and helpful, and had a good eye to notice things that we hadn’t considered. He also offered helpful suggestions regarding cabinets, countertops, paint colors, etc. We were happy with the finished product. Negatives: The biggest issue we encountered was a lack of communication. We discussed various issues with the designer, but these frequently were not communicated to the actual workers doing the job. For instance, when the workers showed up on the first day, they didn’t actually have the plans for what was being done with the kitchen, and we had to explain the job to them. Joe offered to add lighting inside our closet, and we contacted him and said to go ahead and do it, but that information was not communicated to the workers until it was really too late, so it was never done. Sometimes it was 48 hours before we would hear back from Joe when we contacted him with a question during the process of the remodel. Because a lot can happen in two work days, this was sometimes problematic. The second issue we encountered was that when speaking about the project beforehand, words like “plumber” and “electrician” were used, but no plumbers or electricians were actually employed; general contractors did all the work. As a result, we felt uneasy about the quality of the work that was being done. For instance, the evening after our sink was hooked up, it came disconnected while we were using it, with the result that water was spewing all over our under-sink cabinet until my husband reconnected everything properly. Additionally, the cabinet seal on our dishwasher was installed backwards so that the rubber flap was sticking out. (They fixed this upon request.) Issues like these make us feel uneasy, and we weren’t confident that the work we couldn’t see or notice right away was done right. We wish that an actual plumber had been hired to do the work, as we had expected, or at least that it had been clear up front that this would be the case. Finally, we felt that the workers who were actually doing the job were sometimes careless toward our home. For instance, they piled tools and trash on our back patio, but in the process knocked over a plant and crushed flowers in our flower bed. They got paint smudges on a wooden shelving unit in the kitchen while painting. Similarly, certain details of the job were missed until we pointed them out. The finished product came out well, but we aren’t sure it would have if we had not been carefully supervising. (For instance, they forgot to run an electrical line for the oven until we reminded them, and a different faucet than we had selected was installed. These issues were always corrected once we pointed them out, but we were surprised that mistakes like this were made.)"
Allison C on August 2018
Typically, it’s more affordable to buy an existing home than it is to build a new one. New construction loan interest rates tend to be higher than interest rates for traditional mortgages. Additionally, the cost of materials is likely higher when building a new home than it was when an existing home was built (unless it’s a very new one). You’re also paying for all new appliances, finishes, permits, inspections, and connections for water, gas, and electricity.
One starting point to find a local home builder is to collect suggestions from friends and neighbors. However, it’s still wise to do some more research before you hire a builder. Read reviews to supplement any word-of-mouth recommendations. Check sources like Angi that have standards and criteria in place to screen the pros it lists can also help you find more reputable local home builders.
The most common first signs of foundation issues include:
Cracks in the foundation walls that grow
Signs of moisture or water leaking through cracks in the foundation
Standing water in the basement
Sagging floors or walls
Cracked walls in upper floors
Doors and windows that don’t close properly anymore
Foundation repairs cost about $5,000, on average. Typically, prices range from $2,200 to $7,800, depending on the type and extent of repairs needed. Cost factors include foundation type, home size, soil stability, accessibility, and the ultimate cause of the problem and what methods and materials are required to fix it.
If you’re noticing signs of foundation issues, the first step to fixing a foundation problem is to hire a foundation repair inspector. They will determine the problem, the cause, and the severity before recommending a course of action to repair the foundation. The method for fixing foundation problems depends on the problem and what options are available. A few possible solutions include:
Epoxy injections
Mudjacking
Piers made of steel or concrete
Jacks
Hydraulic piers
Carbon or steel reinforcement strips
Waterproofing materials